A Heady Mix, No Tale

Vijaya Kumar

India

Jul 27, 2012

We have three Alis responsible for this Cocktail. First, Saif Ali Khan, who has produced this venture under his home banner Illuminati Films – and also plays the lead role. Then we have Imtiaz Ali (creator of Jab We Met) and Sajid Ali, who have written the story.

Cocktail is directed by Homi Adjania, whose maiden effort was 'Being Cyrus' – a well-made psycho thriller, also starring Saif. Cocktail begins awkwardly; but after about half an hour promises a heady cocktail. Pritam’s music adds suitable zing – the Tumhi Ho Bandhu number is sure to be a chart-buster. The shots of London and Cape Town are framed exquisitely, and the lead cast―Saif, Deepika and debutante Diana Penty―live their roles. Their characters are well drawn; and for the first time we see Deepika emoting well – particularly in the second half. Saif’s charm is partially dampened by the yawning age gap (and it shows) between him and the two heroines. Diana Penty does well in her awkward moments, and looks just as stunning with clothes on... Boman Irani and Dimple Kapadia are excellent in their small roles.

Why, then, doesn’t the Cocktail become heady? The fault clearly lies with the writers. I wish they had infused some realism into this love triangle. The basis for the friendship between the two heroines could have been built better; as also the story of Diana.